A Duo of Welsh Judges Announced for NBA Beef Expo 2026

The National Beef Association (NBA) is pleased to announce the judges for the National
Commercial Cattle Show, held as part of its flagship NBA Beef Expo, taking place on
Saturday, 30 th May 2026 at the UK’s largest town-centre livestock mart in Melton Mowbray.

Two highly respected Welsh cattle producers have accepted the responsibility of judging at
the 2026 event. Glyn Howatson, of Denbigh, North Wales, will judge the Native and
Continental classes and the Supreme Championship, while Tracey Jones, of Erwood, near
Builth Wells, will judge the Baby Beef classes, Baby Beef Championship and Young
Handlers classes.

The National Commercial Cattle Show is one of the highlights of Beef Expo, attracting some
of the finest commercial cattle from across the UK. Around 120 head of cattle are expected
to compete across 10 classes for steers and heifers, with the overall winner taking home the
Supreme Championship title.

To support and encourage the next generation of commercial beef producers, the NBA will
once again host Young Handlers classes, open to competitors aged 14–21, as part of the
livestock section at Beef Expo.

Judging such a prestigious competition demands extensive experience, technical knowledge
and a deep understanding of commercial beef production, and the NBA believes that both
Glyn and Tracey are an exceptional duo of judges for this national showcase.

NBA Chief Executive, Neil Shand said, “The National Commercial Cattle Show is recognised
nationally for the quality of livestock it attracts and therefore demands judges of the highest

calibre. Glyn and Tracey bring exceptional experience, knowledge and credibility to the role,
and we are delighted to have them judging at NBA Beef Expo 2026.”

Eminent Limousin cattle breeder Glyn Howatson, of Ty Newydd, Nantglyn, Denbigh, farms
1,200 acres with his son Gruffudd and in partnership with his father, running a 110-head
suckler herd of predominantly pure, home-bred Limousin cattle, alongside 400 North Country
Hill Cheviot ewes.

A familiar face on the show circuit, Glyn has enjoyed significant success with home-bred
cattle, including taking first place in the steer class at last year’s Royal Welsh, and securing
multiple awards at the Welsh Winter Fair, including first and second placings in Limousin
classes and pairs.

No stranger to the judging ring, he has officiated widely, including at the Welsh Winter Fair
and at Borderway Agri Expo.

Commenting on his appointment, Glyn said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be invited to judge
at Beef Expo. It’s a tremendous event with the highest calibre of cattle, and it’s a real honour
to be asked. I know there will be some outstanding cattle on show, and I’m very much
looking forward to the challenge, and I know that the winner in their classes will all be stand-
outs in their field.”

Tracey Jones farms with her husband Phil at Erwood, near Builth Wells, running a mixed
beef and sheep enterprise with a 50-cow suckler herd of Limousin-cross and British Blue-
cross cows, alongside a 450-ewe flock.

Livestock has been central to Tracey’s life from a young age. She previously kept a pedigree
Hereford herd and competed successfully in Young Handlers classes at both the Royal
Welsh and Three Counties Show. For more than 25 years, together with her husband she
has produced show calves from their own suckler herd, winning on multiple occasions at the
Brecon Show Potential Sale and securing Baby Beef Heifer Champion at the Welsh Winter
Fair.
Tracey has also judged at a high level, including the commercial cattle section at Balmoral
Show in Northern Ireland.

In being invited to take up the judging baton for the NBA Tracey said, “I’m very pleased and
honoured to be asked to judge at Beef Expo. I’m really looking forward to seeing the Baby
Beef cattle and assessing their potential. I’ll be looking for animals that are smart, eye-
catching and correct on their legs. In the show ring, I see standards continuing to rise year
on year, so I know that judging will be a challenging task.”

NBA Beef Expo 2026 will take place on Saturday, 30 th May 2026, for more information on the
event please visit: www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beef-expo